Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Site
- Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Sites
- Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Site Near Me
- Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Sites
What Is a Full Hookup at an RV Park(Photo: )
Learn everything you need to know about the difference in RV amperage from our resident RV expert in this video. What’s the difference between a 30 amp and a 50 amp RV electrical system? In this handy RV how-to video, Mark Polk explains why you can use more electricity in an RV with a 50 amp service then you can in an RV with a 30 amp service. The electrical system in your RV can seem complex and confusing until you have a basic understanding of how it works. Your RV actually has three separate electrical systems. It has a 12-volt DC automotive system, a 12-volt DC coach system, and a 120 volt AC coach system. If you need 30 or 50 amps of electricity, it’s probably best left to an electrician do the work. I highly recommend hiring an electrician because the electrical line will need to be run from your breaker box, or a sub panel to the RV. A licensed electrician will be able to determine what size electric line you need run from your house to your RV.
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Recreational vehicles are designed for 'boondocking,' or camping without hookups. A fresh water tank, 12-volt battery-operated appliances and holding tanks allow most RV travelers to disconnect from utilities for a few days. Hookups provide increased comfort, including the ability to use unlimited water and run items that draw a great deal of power such as televisions and air conditioners. Most RV parks provide either partial hookups, which include electricity and water, or full hookups, which add sewer service. Some deluxe parks also include hookups for cable television and telephone lines.
Electricity Requirements
Some RVs, including pop-up campers and most travel trailers, use 30-amp electric power. Larger RVs, including motor homes, most fifth-wheels and a few travel trailers, use 50-amp power. It is possible to step the power source up or down with designated electrical cords, allowing 30-amp units to use a 50-amp power supply or 50-amp units to use a 30-amp supply. Most RV parks provide a mix of both types of hookups, although 50-amp power is often more expensive. Some campgrounds provide only 30-amp service. Electric hookups are available at all designated RV parks and many campgrounds that cater to both RVs and tent campers.
Water Hookups
Water hookups allow RV travelers to connect their rigs directly to the campground’s fresh-water supply. The water typically comes from the municipal water supply or a campground well and is considered potable, or safe to drink. Water hookups are provided at all but the most remote or primitive campgrounds.
Sewer Tanks
Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Sites
RVs have built-in holding tanks that contain gray water from sinks and showers, as well as black water from the toilet. Although these tanks have enough space to hold an average family’s discarded water for a few days, they must be emptied periodically. A dump station is a place to dump the holding tanks, but it is necessary to either drive the RV to the dump station or use a portable waste tank to transfer the contents. Campgrounds with full hookups include a sewer connection on the RV site, allowing the tanks to be dumped as needed without leaving the campsite.
Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Site Near Me
Cable Television and Phone
Cable television and telephone hookups are sometimes provided at deluxe RV parks, particularly those that serve long-term travelers who stay one or more months. Some parks require payment for cable or telephone service, while others include the price in the nightly rate. Telephone hookups are less common in the cellphone age but are still prevalent among parks that cater to older travelers. Many campgrounds provide wireless Internet access, but it is not considered a hookup since there are no wires, hoses or cables.
Why Do You Need Electric Hookup In A Rv Sites
References
Writer Bio
Lisa Fritscher is a freelance writer specializing in disabled adventure travel. She spent 15 years working for Central Florida theme parks and frequently travels with her disabled father. Fritscher's work can be found in both print and online mediums, including VisualTravelTours.com. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of South Florida.